As we enter a new decade, it's a time to reflect on the growth and success of the National Afterschool Association, our members, state affiliates, and the afterschool profession.

For almost 20 years, afterschool providers, parents, students, educators and other afterschool advocates have been coming to Washington, D.C., for the Afterschool for All Challenge.

Over time, there has been an increased value placed on supporting children and youth as a whole in out-of-school time settings, whether through research, policy, or practice.

Afterschool programs have evolved. Today, parents and students alike expect these extracurricular programs to teach soft skills: those required for college admissions and career success.

Imagine being in a room where all sorts of different languages were being spoken.

Have you ever been at an event and thought: "I've found my people!"

When people hear that a person of any age is a black belt in martial arts, they immediately begin to visualize a "fighter" who trains to punch, kick, and grapple, and has the ability to cause harm to those around them.

Those in education say it every year: "How does the summer go so fast?"

The National AfterSchool Association recently published the article "Reading is a Way to Learn."

There’s no room to be mediocre in afterschool—high quality programs are a must! Follow these four core tips to improve administrative efficiency so you have more time to focus on program quality.